How do I know if I have endometriosis?
Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women. We hope you've heard the word by now, but what actually is endometriosis? Why is more awareness needed? How do I know if I have endo?
First off, what is endometriosis?
Let's keep it simple:
Endo is a chronic condition.
Tissue that’s similar to, but not the same as, the lining of your uterus is found in other places in the body.
These can include your reproductive organs, bladder, bowels, lungs, and more.
Every month endometrial tissue goes through the same process as the lining of your womb in the other places in the body. However, the blood and tissue can’t exit the body through your vagina like your period does.
This causes inflammation that results in an increase in blood supply and congestion which in turn stimulates an immune response, as well as causing adhesions and scarring.
Why is endo awareness absolutely key?
It's great that we have an endo awareness month, don't get me wrong. However, it was also the IWD (International Women's Day) month and Women's History Month.
Understandably, many brands and organisations focused on those. So personally, I felt endo didn't get enough attention.
Endo takes on average 7 to 9 years to be diagnosed (7 to 9 years?!?!). According to UN Health, there could be more than 1 in 10 women that have endo, but there are so many that remained undiagnosed that we simply do not know.
That's why awareness and education is essential.
The more women know about endometriosis
> the more women realise their symptoms may be abnormal
> the more women go get a diagnosis for it
> less women suffer.
Get the guide and access to our forum to find out more about endometriosis
How do I know whether I have endo?
“So there’s many different symptoms you may be experiencing. Some include painful periods, to the point that it stops you doing your normal activities. You may experience more constipation/diarrhoea during your periods. You may also have pain during sex.
The way to determine diagnose endometriosis would be to have a physical exam done by a doctor. Then you could be referred to have an MRI scan of the lower tummy or have a “diagnostic laparoscopy” which is a camera that is used to see inside the tummy to check for any endometriosis. This would be done by a gynaecologist. “
Dr Kajal
Women’s Health Specialist
from the Understand Your Cycle forum. Read more here.
Love,
Capu
